No rest for the brave: Ferrari pencils in two track tests in April

While the Formula 1 calendar faces an unexpected five-week hiatus following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds, Ferrari is gearing up for a pair of strategic track tests to ensure its SF-26 and crews are primed and ready when the championship roar returns in May.

Just days after leaving Suzuka, the Scuderia is already pivoting back into action. The first stop comes immediately, with Ferrari’s test squad heading to Mugello Circuit for a two-day TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) session.

Rather than the headline race drivers, the spotlight will fall on the simulator specialists – those who spend countless hours refining performance behind the scenes.

That means track time on Tuesday and Wednesday for Antonio Giovinazzi, Arthur Leclerc, and Antonio Fuoco.

For this trio, Mugello represents more than just mileage; it’s a crucial bridge between virtual data and real-world feedback, sharpening both driver readiness and technical understanding.

But this year’s testing carries an added twist. With sweeping new regulations now in force in Formula 1, the FIA has relaxed its long-standing restrictions on older machinery.

Teams can now run more recent cars in TPC sessions, allowing Ferrari to deploy its 2025 challenger, the SF-25, rather than dipping further into its archives.

Monza and 'the macarena'

The second phase of Ferrari’s plan shifts to the iconic Autodromo Nazionale Monza later this month, with a filming day penciled in for April 21. But beneath the commercial veneer lies something far more significant.

Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are expected to take part, using the Italian outfit’s final limited 200 km allowance not just for promotional footage, but for targeted evaluation.

Monza’s high-speed layout offers a perfect proving ground for energy recovery systems and aerodynamic efficiency.

Ferrari is reportedly also set to trial its much-discussed “Macarena” wing, a component slated for competitive debut when the season resumes at the Miami Grand Prix in early May.

In a season momentarily stalled, Ferrari’s proactive approach signals intent. While rivals regroup, the Scuderia is already back on track – quietly building, refining, and preparing for the sprint ahead.

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